Vegetation as biomaterial in Environmental Engineering

Abstract

It is particularly important to focus attention on environmental technology and related procedures and materials. Bioengineering techniques and materials are needed to reduce the human impact on the environment. As an example, plants and plant materials can be used for erosion control and slope protection to reduce risk events; vegetation used for green roofs and walls is also an important bioengineering measure to protect buildings and adsorbing rainwater, containing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and extending roof life. The use of plants for river bank protection and erosion control has a long tradition in Europe. Literature shows that climate is one of controlling factor of the distribution of plant species. Rapid climate change leads to remarkable changes in the distribution and behavior of plants, contributing to modify the ecosystem equilibrium and habitats. Thus many aspects, such as vegetation durability, species selection, should be still investigated. The present lecture focuses on flow –vegetation interactions which are important to analyse the protective action of vegetation, its durability and aspects of maintenance of planted stream banks.